Music Censorship Essay Example

Music Censorship

The same is true today, as these topics are still common in music of all sorts. For example, with the onset of rhythm and blues music that is greatly associated with black musicians, the issues of sex and drug use became more openly spoken about (Johnson & Cloonan, 2009). The majority of the white population at the time perceived this music as responsible for the drug use and violence found among black youths. In regards to these accusations and trends, many songs by various black artists have been banned and termed as controversial, and they should therefore discard these lyrics (Nuzum, 2001). Similarly to this, in the 1960s when musicians advocated drug usage, "politicians and civic leaders started coming out of the woodwork to save the countrys youth from the evils of drugs” (Nuzum, 2001).Musicians should avoid producing music that will instill fear among their young listeners. Such content will prevent young people from leading ethical lives, while at the same time negatively affecting their growth. For instance, many radio stations banned the song the pill by Lynn Loretta in the year 1975, but it still led to the growing popularity of contraception among youths and an increase in unsafe sexual practices within their community. These activities in turn lead to unwanted pregnancies and life threatening diseases which become very expensive to their guardians and the system as a whole (Burns, 2004). Because freedom of speech is protected through the first amendment made on the American constitution, the censorship of music within the United States has brought forth many angry speeches from individuals and groups. The freedoms awarded to American society regarding their speech have also brought controversies and contests. For example, during the cold war era numerous anti-communist sentiments were allowed as long as the speaker did not incite other people to indulge in illegal activities, which raised controversy (Johnson & Cloonan, 2009). The first amendment on the American constitution goes against censorship imposed by other laws though it does not offer protection against commercial censorship. Television and radio broadcasts found to be indecent has been regulated regularly through the communications commission formed by the federal government (Nuzum, 2001). American musicians could save people a lot of money, as well as protecting their morals, if they were to regulate their own song